The maps display the statistics for energy consumption and power production, state by state. They are tremendous visual aids for your natural resources unit. Consider having your class compare energy consumption versus production, or...

Students research about the processing of biodiesel fuels. In this energy lesson, students produce their own biodiesel using used and new vegetable oil. They discuss the environmental and economic benefits of using biodiesel.

A set of guided notes walks your biology or environmental studies learners through the dynamics of ecosystems. They write short answers to questions about the energy budget, food webs, trophic levels, and biogeochemical cycles. One way...

Wow! Review an entire semester of biology curriculum playing this Science Jeopardy game! The variety of topics is extremely broad, so you will need to review each question to find if they all apply to your course. As you find material...

After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...

In this food chains worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle by placing 16 terms into the puzzle that match the clues given. Students review food webs, biomass pyramids, and the water cycle.

Students interpret data to demonstrate biomass and number pyramids. They use information to draw conclusions and examine an example of biological magnification.

Middle schoolers obtain remote sensing data to compare and contrast global biomass data with global temperature data.

Young scholars examine a variety of environmental and industrial roles of bacteria. explore where bacteria can be found and distinguish bacteria from other organisms.

Looking for a fresh take on traditional food/energy pyramids? Conduct an innovative activity where pupils build their own! The lesson uses research data from Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique for a real-life safari touch. Scholars...

Some organisms spend their entire lives in leaf litter. The third in a series of six is a great lesson exploring the community of leaf litter. Groups gather and then spread leaf litter over white paper and remove leaves/twigs while...

Students apply the ecological pyramids of numbers and biomass with an activity using topographic maps. In this trophic level instructional activity, students work in groups using a topographic map to determine the number of organisms...

Fifth graders investigate energy. In this biology lesson plan, 5th graders will learn about energy, fossil fuels, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students will be participating in three lab activities which are described in...

In this food chain worksheet, students review terms associated with food chains and food webs. Students also recall the water cycle.

There are so many topics touched upon in this Jeopardy-style science game, that it is difficult to classify! The categories include electricity, matter, ecology, earth and space, and scientific investigation. This would best be used at...

Young scholars explore how aerosols are used in science to indicate volcanic activity and how biomass burning affects global aerosol activity. Students access data and import into MS Excel using graphical data to make inferences and draw...

Students use formulas to design and create a table.  In this calculations lesson students create basal measuring tapes that will be used to measure woodlot stocking levels. 

Students study why corn is a biodegradable, renewable resource.  In this ethanol instructional activity students build models and observe a chemical reaction.

Learners recognize the benefits of ethanol and study photosynthesis.  In this ethanol instructional activity students complete an experiment that shows the procedure that starch can be hydrolyzed by salivary amylase. 

Young scholars investigate alternative catalysts for the degradation of hydrogen peroxide.  In this fermentation lesson plan students complete an activity that breaks down cellulose into sugar. 

In this biosphere worksheet, students identify the different levels of organization that ecologists study. Students complete charts, sentences, and answer short answer questions.

Students examine the characteristics of the ocean floor and the importance of of extreme environments.  In this investigative instructional activity students use four methods to sample populations, gather, record and analyze data...

Take a walk through the forest as the leaves change color and fall from the trees, making way for a new ecosystem cycle to cycle through. An inquiry-based lesson plan examines how the process of decomposition eliminates tons of...

Is electricity created in the outlet? Using posters of several energy systems, collaborative groups identify and describe the parts of their systems. The groups also look at the environmental impacts of the systems and present...